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HELPING PEDESTRIANS IN URBAN AREAS

In both old and new quarters of the town there are many dangerous conflict situations for pedestrians and particularly for children. Recent investigations in recent and spacious residential quarters in delft show that some 13% of all children to be found outside are to be found on the streets - some crossing, most of them playing. It is not surprising that over 80% of all fatal accidents involving children take place in the immediate vicinity of their homes. Normal traffic behaviour implies a statistical certainty that there will be fatal accidents. However, in all dangerous areas in old and new quarters of the town it is not desirable to segregate pedestrians and motorized traffic completely. Such solutions not only cause difficulties for traffic related to the residential area, but are impossible for older areas of the town which are not merely residential. Therefore a solution must be found to help pedestrian safety and improve possibilities for children to play in the immediate vicinity. A major part of such a solution would be a complete reversal of the existing traffic rules and - at the same time - a new design and layout for all roads. /TRRL/